Electromagnetically-actuated direction-sensing roller clutch

ABSTRACT

A roller clutch includes an outer race, an inner race, a first engagement member situated between the outer race and the inner race, a second engagement member situated between the outer race and the inner race, and an electromagnetic mover to be energized or de-energized. The first engagement member is configured to engage the outer race and the inner race to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race in response to the electromagnetic mover being energized and the inner race applying negative torque to the second engagement member while the outer race applies positive torque to the second engagement member. The second engagement member is configured to engage the outer race and the inner race to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race in response to the inner race applying positive torque to the second engagement member while the outer race applies negative torque to the second engagement member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. PATENT APPLICATION

This present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/602,255, entitled“ELECTROMAGNETICALLY-ACTUATED DIRECTION-SENSING ROLLER CLUTCH” by BrianSchoolcraft, which was filed on Feb. 23, 2012, the entirety of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to roller clutches, and moreparticularly, to a direction-sensing roller clutch for use in atransmission.

BACKGROUND

Transmissions are used to transfer a drive torque from a drive unit to aload. For example, a vehicle transmission transfers the drive torquefrom the vehicle engine to the vehicle load. Some transmissions includea finite set of gears, which may be selected to produce a specifictransmission ratio. Other transmissions may include a ratio varying unit(“variator”) to provide a substantially continuous variation oftransmission ratio rather than a series of predetermined transmissionratios. Such transmissions are typically referred to as continuouslyvariable transmissions (CVTs), infinitely variable transmissions (IVTs),toroidal transmissions, and/or the like.

Typical transmissions include one or more clutches. One type of clutchthat may be used in a transmission, as well as other devices is known asa roller clutch. Conventional roller clutches can be used as one-way oroverrunning clutches to allow freewheeling of an output (e.g., an outputshaft) relative to an input (e.g., an input shaft) depending on thetorque interaction of the input and output. For example, vehicletransmissions may include one-way clutches, such as a roller clutch,sensitive to torque differentials to connect an input shaft to an outputshaft to allow freewheeling of a drive train between a drive unit and avehicle load when direct connection of the drive unit to the vehicleload is undesirable. Similar devices such as sprag clutches and ratchetscan also be used to provide one-way or overrunning clutch relationshipsbetween inputs and outputs.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a transmission isdisclosed. The transmission may include a rotational receiver, avariable transmission unit, and a direction-sensing roller clutch. Thedirection-sensing roller clutch may include an inner race coupled to oneof the rotational receiver or the variable transmission unit, an outerrace coupled to the other of the rotational receiver or the variabletransmission unit, and an electromagnetic mover to be energized orde-energized. The direction-sensing roller clutch may be configured totransmit torque between the inner race and the outer race so that torqueis transmitted between the rotational receiver and the variabletransmission unit in response to the rotational receiver turning in apositive direction and applying positive torque or in response to theelectromagnetic mover being energized.

In some embodiments, the direction-sensing roller clutch may include afirst engagement member situated between the outer race and the innerrace. The first engagement member may be moved into contact the outerrace and the inner race to transmit torque between the outer race andthe inner race when the rotational receiver is rotated in the positivedirection.

The direction-sensing roller clutch may include a second engagementmember situated between the outer race and the inner race. The secondengagement member may be configured to transmit torque between the outerrace and the inner race in response to the rotational receiver applyingpositive torque while the variable transmission unit applies negativetorque.

In some embodiments, the direction-sensing roller clutch may include anactuator configured to move the first engagement member into contactwith the outer race and the inner race. The actuator may move the firstengagement member into contact with the outer race and the inner race inresponse to the electromagnetic mover being energized.

In some embodiments, the transmission may include an electro-hydrauliccontrol system. The electro-hydraulic control system may be configuredto energize the electromagnetic mover. The electro-hydraulic controlsystem may include a sensor configured to detect the direction ofrotation of the rotational receiver. The electromagnetic mover mayinclude a plurality of electromagnets coupled for common rotation withthe inner race. The electro-hydraulic control system may be coupled tothe electromagnetic mover by a slip ring.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller clutchmay include an outer race, an inner race, a first engagement membersituated between the outer race and the inner race, a second engagementmember situated between the outer race and the inner race, and anelectromagnetic mover to be energized or de-energized. The firstengagement member may be configured to engage the outer race and theinner race to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner racein response to the electromagnetic mover being energized and the innerrace applying negative torque to the first engagement member while theouter race applies positive torque to the first engagement member. Thesecond engagement member may be configured to engage the outer race andthe inner race to transmit torque between the outer race and the innerrace in response to the inner race applying positive torque to thesecond engagement member while the outer race applies negative torque tothe second engagement member.

In some embodiments, the roller clutch may include an actuator. Theactuator may be configured to move the first engagement member intocontact with at least one of the outer race and the inner race.

The first engagement member may be biased away from engagement with atleast one of the outer race and the inner race by a first spring. Thesecond engagement member may be biased toward engagement with the outerrace and the inner race by a second spring.

In some embodiments, electromagnetic mover may be energized in responseto the inner race turning in a positive direction. The electromagneticmover may be de-energized in response to the inner race turning in anegative direction.

It is contemplated that the actuator may include a paddle. The paddlemay be formed from a ferromagnetic material radially aligned with theelectromagnetic mover.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a drive train fordriving a load is taught. The drive train may include a drive unit witha drive unit output shaft; and a transmission coupled to the drive unit.The transmission may be configured to transfer torque between the driveunit and the load unless the drive unit output shaft turns in a negativedirection and applies a negative torque to the transmission.

In some embodiments, the transmission may include a variabletransmission unit and a direction-sensing roller clutch coupled betweenthe drive unit and the variable transmission unit. The direction-sensingroller clutch may include an inner race coupled for common rotation withone of the drive unit output shaft or a variable transmission unit inputshaft, an outer race coupled for common rotation with the other of thedrive unit output shaft or the variable transmission unit input shaft, aclutch engagement assembly situated between the inner race and the outerrace, and an electromagnet configured to be energized or de-energized.

It is contemplated that the clutch engagement assembly may include afirst engagement member. The first engagement member may be configuredto transmit torque between the drive unit output shaft and the variabletransmission input shaft only in response to the electromagnet beingenergized and the drive unit output shaft applying torque in thenegative direction.

The clutch engagement assembly may include a second engagement member.The second engagement member may be configured to transmit torquebetween the drive unit output shaft and the variable transmission inputshaft in response to the drive unit output shaft applying torque in thepositive direction while the variable transmission input shaft appliestorque in the negative direction.

In some embodiments, the direction-sensing roller clutch may include anactuator configured to move the first engagement member into contactwith the outer race and the inner race. The actuator may move the firstengagement member into contact with the outer race and the inner race inresponse to a sensor detecting that the drive unit output shaft isturning in a positive direction. The actuator may move the firstengagement member into contact with the outer race and the inner race inresponse to the electromagnet being energized. The electromagnet may becoupled for rotation with the inner race of the clutch engagementassembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The systems and methods described herein are illustrated by way ofexample and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. Forsimplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensionsof some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements forclarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels havebeen repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of at least one embodiment of a vehicledrive train including a drive unit, a transmission, and anelectro-hydraulic control;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of at least one embodiment of thetransmission setoff of the vehicle drive train of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an axial, elevation view of at least one embodiment of adirection-sensing roller clutch of the transmission of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the direction-sensingroller clutch of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is an axial view of at least one embodiment of a segment of thedirection-sensing roller clutch of FIG. 3 showing the arrangement of thedirection-sensing roller clutch when the vehicle power train is in adriving forward mode of operation;

FIG. 5B is an axial view of at least one embodiment of the segment ofthe direction-sensing roller clutch of FIG. 5A showing the arrangementof the direction-sensing roller clutch when the vehicle power train isin an overrun forward mode of operation wherein the drive unit isoverrun by the transmission in a positive direction of rotation;

FIG. 5C is an axial view of at least one embodiment of the segment ofthe direction-sensing roller clutch of FIG. 5A showing the arrangementof the direction-sensing roller clutch when the vehicle power train isin a driving backward (or kickback) mode of operation wherein the driveunit attempts to drive the transmission in a negative direction ofrotation; and

FIG. 5D is an axial view of at least one embodiment of the segment ofthe direction-sensing roller clutch of FIG. 5A showing the arrangementof the direction-sensing roller clutch when the vehicle power train isin an overrun backward mode of operation wherein the drive unit isoverrun by the transmission in a negative direction of rotation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodimentsthereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and willherein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, thatthere is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure tothe particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment describedmay include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, butevery embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a drive train 10 of a vehicle 8includes a drive unit 12 and a transmission 14 configured to drive avehicle load 18. The drive train 10 also includes an electro-hydrauliccontrol system 16 coupled to the drive unit 12 and the transmission 14to coordinate the operation of the drive unit 12 and the transmission 14as discussed in more detail below. Additionally, in some embodiments,the drive train 10 may include other components commonly found in drivetrains but not illustrated in FIG. 1 in order to increase clarity of thepresent description.

The drive unit 12 is illustratively embodied as a diesel internalcombustion engine. However, in other embodiments, the drive unit 12 maybe embodied as a spark-ignition type internal combustion engine (i.e.gasoline engine), a hybrid engine-electric motor combination, or anothersource of rotational power. The drive unit 12 includes a drive unitoutput shaft 20 that provides rotational power to the transmission 14.As a convention throughout this description, the term “positivedirection” refers to a clockwise direction when looking from the driveunit 12 toward the transmission 14 as indicated by an arrow 100 inFIG. 1. The term “negative direction” refers to a counter-clockwisedirection when looking from the drive unit 12 toward the transmission 14indicated by an arrow 102 in FIG. 1. This convention will be used whenreferring to the direction of either speed or torque.

The transmission 14 is operable to transmit the rotational power fromthe drive unit 12 to the vehicle load 18 at various transmission ratios.The transmission ratio provided by the transmission 14 is controlled bythe electro-hydraulic control system 16. For example, theelectro-hydraulic control system 16 is configured to modify thetransmission ratio during operation so that the drive unit 12 operatesat an optimized set of as a function of the vehicle load 18 and thespeed of the vehicle 8.

As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission 14 illustratively includes arotational receiver 21, a variable transmission unit 22, and adirection-sensing roller clutch 24 configured to prevent or otherwiseresist the drive unit 12 from driving the variable transmission unit 22in a negative direction. The rotational receiver 21 may be embodied asan input shaft, gear, coupling, sprocket, or other device capable ofcoupling with the drive unit output shaft 20 for common rotationtherewith. As such, the rotational receiver 21 may form an integral partof the direction-sensing roller clutch 24 in some embodiments or may beembodied as a component of the drive train 10 separate from thedirection-sensing roller clutch 24 but coupled therewith. The variabletransmission unit 22 is illustratively embodied as an infinitelyvariable countershaft transmission unit. However, in other embodiments,the variable transmission unit 22 may be embodied as a continuouslyvariable transmission unit or a “standard” transmission unit configuredto provide a finite number of geared ratios. The direction-sensingroller clutch 24 couples the drive unit 12 to the variable transmissionunit 22 via the rotational receiver 21 so that torque is transferredbetween the drive unit 12 and the variable transmission unit 22 throughthe direction-sensing roller clutch 24, except in situations wherein thedrive unit output shaft 20 turns in a negative direction and appliesnegative torque to the direction-sensing roller clutch 24. For example,such a situation may occur immediately after shutdown of a diesel enginewherein pressure built up in the cylinders of the engine resistspositive rotation and produces a “kick back.”

The variable transmission unit 22 includes a countershaft assembly 26and a variator 28 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. The illustrativevariable transmission unit 22 has a variable forward speed mode, avariable reverse speed mode, and a driven neutral mode. The countershaftassembly 26 is coupled to the direction-sensing roller clutch 24 by avariable transmission input shaft 30 that turns in a positive directionto drive the variable transmission unit 22 during operation of thetransmission 14. The variator 28 is illustratively embodied as atoroidal variator having a plurality of rollers. However, in otherembodiments, the variator 28 may be embodied as a friction-cone typevariator or another suitable variable transmission configuration. Thecountershaft assembly 26 and the variator 28 cooperate to provide asubstantially infinitely variable transmission unit. As with typicalvariable transmission units, rotation of the variable transmission inputshaft 30 in a negative direction could result in the reversal of thevariator 28, which may damage rollers, cones, or other components of thevariator 28. As such, the direction-sensing roller clutch 24 isconfigured to prevent or otherwise restrict such negative rotation asdiscussed in more detail below.

The direction-sensing roller clutch 24 includes a clutch engagementassembly 32, an engagement actuator 34, and an electromagnetic mover 36as shown in FIG. 2. The clutch engagement assembly 32 transmits torquebetween the rotational receiver 21 of the transmission 14 and thevariable transmission input shaft 30 when the clutch engagement assembly32 is engaged. The clutch engagement assembly 32 is biased towardengagement when the drive unit output shaft 20 applies a positive torqueto the rotational receiver 21 of the transmission 24 and biased out ofengagement when the drive unit output shaft 20 applies a negativetorque. However, as discussed in more detail, the engagement actuator 34is configured to move the clutch engagement assembly 32 to an engagedconfiguration when the drive unit output shaft 20 applies a negativetorque but is turning in the positive direction thereby makingdirection-sensing roller clutch 24 direction-sensitive.

As shown in FIG. 3, the clutch engagement assembly 32 includes an outerrace 38, an inner race 40, and a plurality of roller sets 42. The outerrace 38 is coupled to the variable transmission input shaft 30 forcommon rotation therewith. Similarly, the inner race 40 is coupled tothe rotational receiver 21 for common rotation therewith. The pluralityof roller sets 42 are situated between the outer race 38 and the innerrace 40.

The outer race 38 is formed to include a cylindrical inner surface 44.The inner race 40 is formed to include an outer surface 46 opposite thecylindrical inner surface 44 of the outer race 38. The outer surface 46of the inner race 40 includes a series of arcuate sections 48 definedbetween spaced-apart ramped protrusions 49. Each ramped protrusion 49includes a forward ramp section 50 (i.e., the left side of the rampedprotrusion 49 when looking from the drive unit 12 toward thedirection-sensing roller clutch 24) and a rearward ramp section 52(i.e., the right side of the ramped protrusion 49 when looking from thedrive unit 12 toward the direction-sensing roller clutch 24). The outerrace 38 and the inner race 40 are positioned such that each arcuatesection 48, forward ramp section 50, and rearward ramp section 52 of theinner race 40 forms a pocket 54 between the inner surface 44 of theouter race 38 and the outer surface 46 of the inner race 40.

A roller set 42 is positioned in each pocket 54 between the outer race38 and the inner race 40 as shown in FIG. 3. Each roller set 42 includesa forward roller 56 and a rearward roller 58. The forward roller 56 isbiased by a biasing member 60, illustratively a spring, toward contactwith the inner surface 44 of outer race 38 and the forward ramp section50 of the inner race 40. Each spring 60 is coupled to a spring support62 which is fixed to the inner race 40. Each rearward roller 58 isbiased by a spring 64 away from contact with the inner surface 44 ofouter race 38 and a rearward ramp section 52 of inner race 40. Thespring 64 is coupled to a spring support 66 which is fixed to the innerrace 40. By biasing the rearward rollers 58 away from contact with theouter race 38 and the inner race 40, the clutch engagement assembly 32is biased away from engagement when the drive unit output shaft 20applies a negative torque to the direction-sensing roller clutch 24. Theengagement actuator 34 and the electromagnetic mover 36 cooperate toovercome the biasing force of the spring 64 so that the clutchengagement assembly 32 is engaged when the drive unit output shaft 20turns in the positive direction.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the engagement actuator 34 is formed toinclude an actuator ring 68, a plurality of actuation members or fingers70, and one or more paddles 72. The fingers 70 extend axially from theactuator ring 68 toward the clutch engagement assembly 34. The paddles72 illustratively extend radially inward from the actuator ring 68 andare formed from a ferromagnetic material. The actuator ring 68 supportsthe actuation fingers 70. Each actuation finger 70 extends into a pocket54 and is configured to move between an activated position and adeactivated position. It should be appreciated that although theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 2 includes a plurality of paddles 72, asingle paddle 72 may be used in some embodiments.

In the activated position, shown in FIG. 3, each actuation finger 70contacts a corresponding rearward roller 58 overcoming the biasing forceof the spring 64 to move the corresponding rearward roller 58 intocontact with the inner surface 44 of the outer race 38 and a rearwardramp section 52 of the inner race 40. Conversely, in the deactivatedposition, each actuation finger 70 is moved out of contact with orotherwise positioned to allow the corresponding rearward roller 58 to bepushed out of contact with the inner surface 44 of the outer race 38 anda rearward ramp section 52 of the inner race 40 by the spring 64.

The electromagnetic mover 36 is configured to cooperate with theelectro-hydraulic controller 16 to move the actuator 34 to the activatedposition when the drive unit output shaft 20 turns in a positivedirection and to the deactivated position when the drive unit outputshaft 20 turns in a negative direction. The electromagnetic mover 36rotates with the inner race 40 of the clutch engagement assembly 32 andwith the rotational receiver 21. In the illustrative embodiment, theelectromagnetic mover 36 is embodied as a plurality of electromagnets 74that extend axially from the inner race 40 of the clutch engagementassembly 32. Each electromagnet 74 is radially aligned with acorresponding paddle 72 of the engagement actuator 34. Eachelectromagnet 74 is configured to be energized, thereby exerting anattractive force on the corresponding paddle 72, and de-energized,thereby exerting substantially no force on the corresponding paddle 72.In some embodiments, the electromagnetic mover 36 may be embodied as asingle electromagnet 34 corresponding to a single paddle 72 as discussedabove.

When the electromagnets 74 of the electromagnetic mover 36 areenergized, the engagement actuator 34 is moved to the activated positionin response to the paddles 72 of the engagement actuator 32 being pulledinto contact with the electromagnets 74 as shown, for example, in FIGS.5A and 5B. When the electromagnets 74 of the electromagnetic mover 36are de-energized, the engagement actuator 34 is moved to the deactivatedposition by the spring 64 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5C and 5D. Theelectro-hydraulic controller 16 may be configured to energize andde-energize the electromagnets 74.

The electro-hydraulic control system 16 illustratively includes a sensor76, a power source 78, and a controller 80. The sensor 76 isillustratively a sensor configured to determine the direction ofrotation of the drive unit output shaft 20. The sensor 76 may beembodied as, for example, an accelerometer coupled to the drive unitoutput shaft 20 or to the rotational receiver 21. The sensor 76 iscommunicatively coupled to the controller 80. The power source 78 iscoupled to the controller 80 and provides power to energize theelectromagnets 74 of the electromagnetic mover 34.

The controller 80 illustratively includes a memory 82 containinginstructions and a processor 84 coupled to the memory 82 to execute theinstructions stored therein. The memory 82 may be embodied as orotherwise include one or more memory devices or data storage locationsincluding, for example, dynamic random access memory devices (DRAM),synchronous dynamic random access memory devices (SDRAM), double-datarate synchronous dynamic random access memory device (DDR SDRAM), maskread-only memory (ROM) devices, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) devices, flash memorydevices, and/or other volatile and/or non-volatile memory devices. Theprocessor 84 may be embodied as any type of processor capable ofexecuting the instructions stored in the memory 82. The illustrativeprocessor 84 is a single core processor, but processors having multiplecores may be used in other embodiments.

When the processor 82 executes the instructions stored in the memory 84,the controller 80 is configured to couple the power source 78 to theelectromagnets 74 in response to the sensor 76 indicating that the driveunit output shaft 20 is turning in the positive direction and todisconnect the power source 78 from the electromagnets 74 in response tothe sensor 76 indicating that the drive unit output shaft is turning inthe negative direction. Thus, the electromagnets 74 of theelectromagnetic mover 72 are energized when the drive unit output shaft20 turns in the positive direction and are de-energized when the driveunit output shaft 20 turns in the negative direction.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the electro-hydraulic control system 16 iselectrically coupled to the electromagnets 74 via a slip ring 86. Theslip ring 86 illustratively includes a stationary arm 88 and a rotatingplatform 90. The stationary arm 88 includes a number of brushes 92electrically coupled to the electro-hydraulic control system 16. Therotating platform 90 is illustratively coupled for rotation with therotational receiver 21 and includes a number of rings 94 electricallycoupled to the electromagnets 74. The brushes 92 contact the rings 94 toelectrically couple the elector-hydraulic control system 16 with theelectromagnets 74. In other embodiments, inductive transmission may beused to electrically couple the electro-hydraulic control system 16 withthe electromagnets 74.

Referring back to FIG. 5A, a drive forward mode of drive train 10 isshown wherein the drive unit 12 drives the transmission 14 in a positivedirection. The clutch engagement assembly 32 is engaged during the driveforward mode so that power from the drive unit 12 can be used to movethe vehicle load 18. In the drive forward mode, the drive unit 12 drivesthe transmission 14 by applying torque to the rotational receiver 21 andthe direction-sensing roller clutch 24 in a positive direction throughthe drive unit output shaft 20 as indicated by arrow 20T. A reactionarytorque is applied in a negative direction by the variable transmissioninput shaft 30 to the direction-sensing roller clutch 24 as indicated byarrow 30T. As the drive unit 12 drives the transmission 14 in thepositive direction, the drive unit output shaft 20 rotates in a positivedirection as indicated by arrow 20S and the transmission input shaft 30rotates in a positive direction as indicated the by arrow 30S.

Each forward roller 56 of the clutch engagement assembly 32 contacts andengages the outer race 38 and the inner race 40 such that that theclutch engagement assembly 32 is engaged during the drive forward mode.Each forward ramp section 50 of the inner race 40 urges thecorresponding forward roller 56 toward the outer race 38 in response tothe torque interaction of between inner race 40 (coupled to therotational receiver 21 and the drive unit output shaft 20) and outerrace 38 (coupled to the transmission input shaft 30). The forward roller56 is thereby wedged between the outer race 38 and the inner race 40.Torque is transmitted through the forward roller 56 between the outerrace 38 and the inner race 40 when the forward roller 56 is wedgedbetween the outer race 38 and the inner race 40 as indicated by theshading of forward roller 56 in FIG. 5A.

The rearward roller 58 of the clutch engagement assembly 32 is movedinto contact with the outer race 38 and inner race 40 by the engagementactuator 34 and the electromagnetic mover 36 during drive forward modeas shown in FIG. 5A. The electromagnetic mover 36 is energized and theengagement actuator 34 is moved to the activated position so that therearward roller 58 contacts outer race 38 and the inner race 40 inresponse to the drive unit output shaft 20 being rotated in the positivedirection. However, the torque interaction of the inner race 40 and theouter race 38 does not force the rearward roller 58 to be wedged betweenthe outer race 38 and the inner race 40. As such, torque is nottransmitted by the rearward roller 58 when the drive train 10 is indrive forward mode.

Referring again to FIG. 5B, an overrun forward mode of the drive train10 is shown wherein the drive unit 12 is overrun (or outpaced) by thetransmission 14 in a positive direction. Such a situation may occurwhen, for example, the vehicle 8 is traveling down a hill and thevehicle 8 is accelerated by gravity. The clutch engagement assembly 32is engaged during overrun forward mode so that the drive unit 12 canslow the transmission 14. In overrun forward mode, the transmission 14drives the drive unit 12 by applying torque to the direction-sensingroller clutch 24 in a positive direction through the transmission inputshaft 30 as indicated by arrow 30T. A reactionary torque is applied in anegative direction by the drive unit output shaft 20 to the rotationalreceiver 21 and the direction-sensing roller clutch 24 as indicated byarrow 20T. As the transmission 14 drives the drive unit 12 in thepositive direction, the transmission input shaft 30 rotates in apositive direction as indicated by arrow 30S and the drive unit outputshaft 20 rotates in a positive direction as indicated by arrow 20S.

During the engine overrun forward mode, the forward rollers 56 of theclutch engagement assembly 32 contact the outer race 38 and the innerrace 40 as shown in FIG. 5B. However, the torque interaction of theinner race 40 and the outer race 38 does not force the forward rollers56 to be wedged between the outer race 38 and the inner race 40. Assuch, torque is not transmitted by the forward rollers 56 when the drivetrain 10 is in engine overrun forward mode.

Additionally, during the engine overrun forward mode, the rearwardrollers 58 of the clutch engagement assembly 32 are moved into contactwith the outer race 38 and the inner race 40 by the engagement actuator34 as shown in FIG. 5B. Because the drive unit output shaft 20 isrotating in the positive direction, the electromagnetic mover 36 isenergized and the engagement actuator 34 activates the rearward rollers58 so that the rearward rollers 58 contact the outer race 38 and theinner race 40. The rearward rollers 58 engage the races 38, 40 so thatthe clutch engagement assembly 32 is engaged in engine overrun forwardmode. The rearward ramp sections 52 of the inner race 40 urge therearward rollers 58 toward the outer race 38 in response to the torqueinteraction of the inner race 40 (coupled to rotational receiver 21 anddrive unit output shaft 20) and the outer race 38 (coupled totransmission input shaft 30). The rearward rollers 58 are resultantlywedged between the outer race 38 and the inner race 40. Torque istransmitted through the rearward rollers 58 between the outer race 38and the inner race 40 when the rearward rollers 58 are wedged betweenthe outer race 38 and the inner race 40 as indicated by the shading ofrearward roller 58 in FIG. 5B.

Referring again to FIG. 5C, a driving backward, or “kickback,” modewhich may be experienced by the drive train 10 is shown. Such a set ofconditions may be applied to the direction-sensing roller clutch 24, forexample, immediately after a diesel engine drive unit 12 is shut down.At shut down, the pressures built up in a diesel engine may overcome thefrictional forces in the engine and cause negative rotation of the driveunit output shaft 20. In the driving backward mode, the drive unit 12attempts to drive the transmission 14 in a negative direction byrotating the drive unit output shaft 20 in a negative direction asindicated by arrow 20S. Rotation of the drive unit output shaft 20 inthe negative direction applies torque to the rotation receiver 21 and tothe direction-sensing roller clutch 24 in a negative direction asindicated by arrow 20T. When the drive unit output shaft 20 turns in thenegative direction, the electromagnetic mover 36 is energized and theclutch engagement assembly 32 of the direction-sensing roller clutch 24is disengaged. Thus, during the driving backward mode, the drive unitoutput shaft 20 freewheels relative to the variable transmission unit22. Preventing the drive unit 12 from driving the transmission 14 in thenegative direction during the driving backward mode may avoid damage tothe variable transmission unit 22.

The forward rollers 56 of the clutch engagement assembly 32 contact theouter race 38 and the inner race 40 during driving backward mode asshown in FIG. 5C. However, the torque interaction of the inner race 40and the outer race 38 does not force the forward roller 56 to be wedgedbetween the outer race 38 and the inner race 40 and torque is nottransmitted by the forward roller 56 when the drive train 10 is in thedriving backward mode.

Additionally, during the driving backward mode, the rearward roller 58of the clutch engagement assembly 32 is moved out of contact with theouter race 38 and/or the inner race 40 by the spring 64 as shown in FIG.5C. Because the drive unit output shaft 20 is rotated in the negativedirection, the electromagnetic mover 36 is de-energized and theengagement actuator 34 is moved to the deactivated position so that therearward roller 58 is free to move out of contact with the outer race 38and/or the inner race 40. Since the rearward roller 58 is out of contactwith the outer race 38 and the inner race 40, the rearward roller 58does not transmit torque between the outer race 38 and/or the inner race40.

Referring again to FIG. 5D, an overrun backward mode of the drive train10 is shown. In the overrun backward mode, the drive unit 12 is overrun(or outpaced) by the transmission 14 in a negative direction. Such asituation may occur when, for example, the vehicle 8 is fully loaded andstopped on an incline and is rolled backward down the incline bygravity. The clutch engagement assembly 32 is engaged during the overrunbackward mode so that the drive unit 12 can slow the transmission 14. Inthe overrun backward mode, the transmission 14 drives the drive unit 12by applying torque to the direction-sensing roller clutch 24 in anegative direction through transmission input shaft 30 as suggested byarrow 30T. A reactionary torque is applied in a positive direction bydrive unit output shaft 20 to direction-sensing roller clutch 24 assuggested by arrow 20T. As the transmission 14 drives the drive unit 12in the negative direction, the transmission input shaft 30 rotates in anegative direction as indicated by arrow 30S and the drive unit outputshaft 20 rotates in a negative direction as indicated by arrow 20S.

The forward roller 56 of the clutch engagement assembly 32 contacts andengages the outer race 38 and the inner race 40 so that the clutchengagement assembly 32 is engaged during overrun backward mode. Theforward ramp section 50 of the inner race 40 urges the forward roller 56toward the outer race 38 in response to the torque interaction of theinner race 40 and the outer race 38 so that the forward roller 56 iswedged between the outer race 38 and the inner race 40. Torque istransmitted through the forward roller 56 between the outer race 38 andthe inner race 40 when the forward roller 56 is wedged between the outerrace 38 and the inner race 40 as indicated by the shading of the forwardroller 56 in FIG. 5D.

Additionally, during the overrun backward mode, the rearward roller 58of the clutch engagement assembly 32 is moved out of contact with theouter race 38 and/or the inner race 40 by the spring 64 as shown in FIG.5D. Because the drive unit output shaft 20 is rotated in the negativedirection (even slightly), the electromagnetic mover 36 is de-energizedand the engagement actuator 34 is moved to the deactivated position sothat the rearward roller 58 is out of contact with the outer race 38and/or the inner race 40. Since the rearward roller 58 is out of contactwith the outer race 38 and/or the inner race 40, the rearward roller 58does not transmit torque between the outer race 38.

It should be understood that the direction-sensing roller clutch 24 ofthe present disclosure may be used in other applications whereinsingle-mode freewheeling of a driver shaft relative to a driven shaft isdesired. Specifically, the direction-sensing roller clutch 24 may beincorporated in applications in which it is desirable to (i) disconnecta driver shaft from a driven shaft when the driver shaft turns andapplies torque in one direction and (ii) connect the driver shaft andthe driven shaft in all other modes of operation. Additionally it shouldbe appreciated that the direction-sensing roller clutch 24 of thepresent example can be reversed to provide torque transfer unless aninput rotated in a positive direction and applied a positive torque.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and descriptionis to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, itbeing understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown anddescribed and that all changes and modifications that come within thespirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A transmission comprising: a rotationalreceiver; a variable transmission unit; and a direction-sensing rollerclutch including an inner race coupled to one of the rotational receiveror the variable transmission unit, an outer race coupled to the other ofthe rotational receiver or the variable transmission unit, and anelectromagnetic mover configured (i) to be energized or de-energized and(ii) for rotation with the rotational receiver, wherein thedirection-sensing roller clutch is configured to transmit torque betweenthe inner race and the outer race so that torque is transmitted betweenthe rotational receiver and the variable transmission unit in responseto (i) the rotational receiver turning in a positive direction andapplying positive torque or (ii) in response to the electromagneticmover being energized.
 2. The transmission of claim 1, wherein thedirection-sensing roller clutch includes a first engagement membersituated between the outer race and the inner race, the first engagementmember configured to move into contact with the outer race and the innerrace to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race whenthe rotational receiver is rotated in the positive direction.
 3. Thetransmission of claim 2, wherein the direction-sensing roller clutchincludes a second engagement member situated between the outer race andthe inner race, the second engagement member configured to transmittorque between the outer race and the inner race in response to therotational receiver applying positive torque while the variabletransmission unit applies negative torque.
 4. The transmission of claim2, wherein the direction-sensing roller clutch includes an actuatorconfigured to move the first engagement member into contact with theouter race and the inner race.
 5. The transmission of claim 4, whereinthe actuator is configured to move the first engagement member intocontact with the outer race and the inner race in response to theelectromagnetic mover being energized.
 6. The transmission of claim 5,further comprising an electro-hydraulic control system configured toenergize the electromagnetic mover.
 7. A transmission comprising arotational receiver; a variable transmission unit; a direction-sensingroller clutch including an inner race coupled to one of the rotationalreceiver or the variable transmission unit, an outer race coupled to theother of the rotational receiver or the variable transmission unit, anelectromagnetic mover to be energized or de-energized, a firstengagement member situated between the outer race and the inner race,and an actuator configured to move the first engagement member intocontact with the outer race and the inner race; and an electro-hydrauliccontrol system configured to energize the electromagnetic mover, wherein(i) the direction-sensing roller clutch is configured to transmit torquebetween the inner race and the outer race so that torque is transmittedbetween the rotational receiver and the variable transmission unit inresponse to (a) the rotational receiver turning in a positive directionand applying positive torque or (b) in response to the electromagneticmover being energized, (ii) the first engagement member is configured tomove into contact with the outer race and the inner race to transmittorque between the outer race and the inner race when the rotationalreceiver is rotated in the positive direction, (iii) the actuator isconfigured to move the first engagement member into contact with theouter race and the inner race in response to the electromagnetic moverbeing energized, and (iv) the electro-hydraulic control system includesa sensor configured to detect the direction of rotation of therotational receiver.
 8. The transmission of claim 6, wherein theelectromagnetic mover includes a plurality of electromagnets coupled forcommon rotation with the inner race.
 9. A transmission comprising arotational receiver; a variable transmission unit; a direction-sensingroller clutch including an inner race coupled to one of the rotationalreceiver or the variable transmission unit, an outer race coupled to theother of the rotational receiver or the variable transmission unit, anelectromagnetic mover to be energized or de-energized, a firstengagement member situated between the outer race and the inner race,and an actuator configured to move the first engagement member intocontact with the outer race and the inner race; and an electro-hydrauliccontrol system configured to energize the electromagnetic mover, wherein(i) the direction-sensing roller clutch is configured to transmit torquebetween the inner race and the outer race so that torque is transmittedbetween the rotational receiver and the variable transmission unit inresponse to (a) the rotational receiver turning in a positive directionand applying positive torque or (b) in response to the electromagneticmover being energized, (ii) the first engagement member is configured tomove into contact with the outer race and the inner race to transmittorque between the outer race and the inner race when the rotationalreceiver is rotated in the positive direction, (iii) the actuator isconfigured to move the first engagement member into contact with theouter race and the inner race in response to the electromagnetic moverbeing energized, and (iv) the electro-hydraulic control system iscoupled to the electromagnetic mover by a slip ring.